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Banned Books Week: Library System Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Brittany Wells

Banned Books Week 2012 marks its 30th anniversary. Thousands of individuals and institutions across the United States participate in Banned Books Week each year, and it has grown into a premier literary event and a national awareness and advocacy campaign around censorship. Typically held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week 2012 will occur September 29 through October 6.

In observance of Banned Books Week the Sweetwater County Library System will have displays at each of its main branches: Sweetwater County Library, White Mountain Library, and Rock Springs Library. The libraries will have frequently challenged and banned books from past and present displayed.

Some of the most common books to be challenged are “To Kill a Mocking Bird” by Harper Lee, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, and “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemmingway. Some of the most current books to be challenged are: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, the Twilight Series by Stephanie Myer, and “Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. Without the freedoms guaranteed by the 1st amendment, library shelves could be home to a far smaller collection than is currently present. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.
Banned Books Week reminds people that while all materials are not intended for all readers, everyone has the right to make their own decisions. Celebrate the freedom to read and read a banned/challenged book today.

For more information about book challenges and bans, please visit your local library or the American Library Association website at www.ala.org. The Sweetwater County Library System observes Banned Books Week every year. For more information on library sponsored events and services visit your local library, or go to www.sweetwaterlibraries.com or www.facebook.com/sweetlibraries.